Big Stops on Defense Key to Chargers' Victory

Agoura High sophomore Kyle London made a couple clutch plays Friday in the Chargers' 35-34 win over Ventura. He caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with 1:01 to play.

But a trio of Agoura players made some key plays on defense that kept Ventura out of the end zone and the Chargers in the game.

Corey Da Silva made an interception in the end zone for a touchback in the second quarter. Michael Kay intercepted Ventura quarterback Keihan Gibbs later in the second quarter. And Julian Patton might have had the biggest play of the night on defense, recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter that started Agoura's game-winning, 98-yard drive.

Agoura coach Charlie Wegher said the two interceptions were "absolutely critical." But Patton's fumble recovery caught him a little by surprise. He said he didn't know his team had recovered the ball until he heard the roar from the crowd.

"There weren't any kids taking plays off," Wegher said. "I was happy with the effort."

Agoura linebacker Wesley Rowell sat out the game with a strained ligament in his left foot. He hurt his foot in the scrimmage against Camarillo on Sept. 3. Rowell was wearing a protective boot on the sideline during the game against Ventura.

Wegher said Rowell, who led the team in tackles last season, will probably miss the Marmonte League opener Thursday against Simi Valley.

"He's probably not going to play this week," Wegher said. "There's a possibility. It depends on how he feels. He doesn't have any broken bones."

Kay started in Rowell's place against Ventura and came up with a big interception. Wegher said Kay filled in nicely for Rowell. But Ventura running back Conner Armstrong rushed for 287 yards and Gibbs threw for 177 yards. Wegher said having Rowell in the game might have helped reduce those offensive numbers.

"He certainly would have helped," Wegher said.

Wegher added that he was more upset with the play of his defensive linemen.

"Some of our kids weren't doing what they were supposed to do," Wegher said. "That was kind of frustrating."

Agoura had its share of offensive stars in the game against Ventura. London caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Gerard Poutier threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns. Da Silva caught four passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.

It's easy to miss Stephen Yang's performance.

He scored his team's first touchdown on an 88-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Down 13-0, Agoura took its first step toward a comeback on Yang's return. He also caught five passes for 71 yards and played at defensive back.

"He was all over the field," Wegher said.

Agoura is 6-1 in its past seven season openers. The Chargers have a 3-1 record against Ventura over the past four years. The only loss came on opening night in 2008, 27-21.